Travita Godfrey was set to enter the medical field nearly 30 years ago when she joined the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and life suddenly changed. She became an advocate for her little sister’s education, was exposed to the impacts of addiction for the first time, decided to join Teach For America, and says, “the rest is history.”  

Now in her sixth year as Principal of Fortis Academy, Godfrey works with teens who struggle with alcohol and substance abuse by providing individualized, non-clinical support to help Harris County teens gain and maintain sobriety. Her commitment to supporting students’ recovery, academic success and transition into adulthood is unmatched, making herself available for questions, college applications, practice job interviews and more. Godfrey says it’s all part of the effort to reduce stigma and challenges related to addiction.  

“There’s a big stigma around mental health, substance use and what somebody struggling with addiction looks like,” she explained. “I’ve learned how to be a better advocate throughout my career. Not just for students, because I love doing that, but also advocating for their parents, various resources and community support they need to be successful.”  

In honor of National Principals Month, the Communications and Creative Services team sat down with Godfrey to learn more about her leadership, the school culture she’s built around trust and consistency, and the longer impact Fortis and HCDE have on students’ lives.